Undefeated super lightweight phenom Ernesto “Tito” Mercado, the 24-year-old knockout machine from Pomona, California, collides with rugged Mexican veteran Antonio “Tono” Moran in a 10-round clash for the vacant WBO International super lightweight title. This pivotal undercard bout on the Diego Pacheco-Kevin Lele Sadjo card thrusts Mercado back into action after an 11-month layoff, aiming to extend his six-fight KO streak and vault into world title contention against the likes of Teofimo Lopez or Shakur Stevenson. Moran, a 32-year-old trial horse with wins over unbeaten prospects, seeks to play spoiler and revitalize his career with another upset, as he did against Mykquan Williams in April. Mercado’s explosive power (94% KO rate) meets Moran’s granite chin (stopped just twice in 39 fights), promising early fireworks in Stockton—where the local hero’s pressure could overwhelm, but Moran’s savvy counters keep it competitive through the middle rounds. Decision probability: 35%; KO/TKO: 65%, with Mercado favored for a mid-round stoppage.
Fight Information
Time: Ring walks approx. 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT (main card starts 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT)
Venue: Adventist Health Arena, Stockton, California (capacity: 11,200; electric homecoming for Mercado, with roaring local support expected to amp the atmosphere)
Broadcast: DAZN (global streaming); prelims on YouTube
Bout Context: 10 rounds at super lightweight (140 lbs) for the vacant WBO International super lightweight title; undercard to Pacheco-Sadjo (super middleweight, 12 rounds). Promoted by Matchroom Boxing (Eddie Hearn) and All Star Boxing.
Injury Report
Both fighters enter cleared by the California State Athletic Commission, with weigh-ins passing without issue (Mercado 139 lbs, Moran 140 lbs). Mercado’s camp was derailed by a torn rotator cuff in June 2025, sidelining him since his January TKO of Jose Pedraza and marking his second canceled bout in seven months (previously vs. Jonathan Montrel). He confirms full recovery without surgery, emphasizing a “100% healthy” return after focused rehab. Moran reports no setbacks, with his last fight (April MD over Williams) injury-free; past issues like a 2022 hand fracture are long resolved. Pre-fight medicals show clean bills, though Mercado’s rust (11 months out) could manifest as early tentativeness.
| Fighter | Key Notes | Status |
| Ernesto Mercado | Torn rotator cuff (June 2025); sidelined 11 months. Fully healed, no surgery needed. Past: Minor training tweaks in 2024. | Cleared |
| Antonio Moran | No 2025 injuries; full camp post-April win. Past: Hand fracture (2022), healed. | Cleared |
Key Fighter Matchups
Both orthodox stand 5’10”-5’11” with similar reaches (~70″), but styles diverge: Mercado’s aggressive volume (avg. 62 punches/round, 48% accuracy) vs. Moran’s crafty durability (absorbs 35%, counters at 42%). Projected: Mercado storms forward early; Moran circles and clinches mid-fight.
Mercado’s Power vs. Moran’s Chin: Mercado (17-0, 94% KO) unleashes devastating overhands and body shots, as in his 4th-round TKO of Pedraza (dropped twice). Moran’s 21 KOs (68% rate) come via attrition, but he’s only stopped twice (Haney KO7 2019; Cruz TKO7 2024). Edge: Mercado’s youth/speed overwhelms, but Moran’s experience (39 fights) weathers storms—watch for clinches to slow Tito’s output.
Volume vs. Counters: Mercado lands 45% power punches in bursts; Moran thrives on the back foot (evades 55%), per his MD upset of Williams (outlanded 195-180). Edge: Moran’s ring generalship frustrates pressure, but Mercado’s Stockton crowd fuels relentless advances.
Stamina & Adjustments: Mercado fades minimally in KOs (avg. Rd 3.5); Moran goes distance often (7/8 recent decisions). Edge: Even—Moran’s 206 pro rounds vs. Mercado’s 49; late-round body work decides.
Fighter Records and Standings
Ernesto Mercado: 17-0-0 (16 KOs), ranked #14 WBO super lightweight, #5 WBC. Pro since 2021; 17 fights, 49 rounds. Strengths: Blistering power (94% KO), forward pressure. Weaknesses: Limited experience (youngest on card), rust risk.
Antonio Moran: 31-7-1 (21 KOs), unranked but veteran contender. Pro since 2012; 39 fights, 206 rounds. Strengths: Iron chin, upset potential (beat unbeaten Williams). Weaknesses: Age (32), recent step-up losses.
Mercado’s prospect hype (Matchroom signee) vs. Moran’s gatekeeper role.
Recent Form
Mercado returns after 11 months, on a six-fight KO tear showcasing elite finishing. Moran rides a mini-resurgence, blending wins with tough losses to prospects.
| Last 5 Fights | Mercado Result | Key Stat | Moran Result | Key Stat |
| Jan 25, 2025 vs. Jose Pedraza | W TKO 4 | Dropped twice; quickest KO of Pedraza’s career | Apr 25, 2025 vs. Mykquan Williams | W MD 10 |
| Jul 27, 2024 vs. Hector Sarmiento | W RTD 3 | Opponent quit on stool; body barrage | Aug 24, 2024 vs. Andy Cruz | L TKO 7 |
| Apr 5, 2024 vs. Denier Berrio | W RTD 3 | Quit on stool; dominant 3 rounds | Jan 24, 2024 vs. Romero Duno | W KO 6 |
| Feb 24, 2024 vs. Cristian Bielma | W KO 2 | Clean uppercut finish; 0:42 | Oct 21, 2023 vs. Yomar Alamo | D SD 8 |
| Nov 4, 2023 vs. Hank Lundy | W TKO 5 | Veteran faded; extended KO streak | Aug 12, 2023 vs. Jamaine Ortiz | L UD 10 |
Mercado: 5-0 (5 KOs); avg. 2.8 rounds. Moran: 2-2-1 (1 KO); tough tests, resilient.
Fight History
First professional encounter—no amateur overlap or sparring reports. Indirect ties: Both faced Pedraza (Mercado TKO4 2025; Moran UD L 2019). Moran’s resume includes Haney (KO L), Barboza (UD L); Mercado’s untested vs. elites. 65% KO projection, favoring Mercado mid-rounds.
FIGHT ODDS
Ernesto Mercado – 1400
Antonio Moran + 750
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
